Michigan 4-H Cloverbud Snapshot Sheet: 4-H Photography Project (4H1728)
DOWNLOADFebruary 6, 2017 - Michigan State University Extension
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EmailWHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
The 4-H photography project provides youth the opportunity to learn about photography equipment and become technically competent as they acquire knowledge, practice skills, explore self-expression and creativity, and learn about careers in photography and related fields.
- Discover the tools to compose photographs.
- Learn about photography as an art, science and communication tool.
- Explore photography as a hobby or profession.
THE BIG PICTURE
Starting Out:
- Learn the history of the camera.
- Know a camera and its parts.
- Learn the basics of camera care.
- Take photos of places, people and things.
- Exhibit photographs for fun.
Learning More:
- Learn about lighting.
- Gain more knowledge about photography terms.
- Understand focal point, pattern, texture, background, foreground and framing.
- Use photos to tell a story.
- Outline the ethics of taking photographs and need for consent.
Expanding Horizons:
- Explore composition using symmetry, shape, pattern, lighting, balance, cropping and texture.
- Understand the impact of color versus black and white.
- Explore wide-angle and telephoto lenses and filters.
- Practice with light sources.
- Learn how to mount, mat and frame photos.
- Explore digital photo technology by editing photographs on the computer.
CURRICULA & RESOURCES
Curricula – Other States
4-H Photography Project (University of Tennessee Extension): https://4h.tennessee.edu/Pages/projects/ photo.aspx
Beginning (W043)
Intermediate (W121)
Advanced (W122)
Photography (Iowa State University Extension): www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/ projects/photography
Photography Project Worksheet (4H 0643 WS) (Iowa State University Extension): https://store.extension.iastate.edu/ItemDetail. aspx?ProductID=474
Photography (Wisconsin 4-H): http://4h.uwex.edu/onlinpro/photography.cfm Creating Your Own Darkroom (IS370)
You Be the Photo Judge! (ACTpa003)
National 4-H Curricula
4-H Filmmaking Studio and Workshop: http://www.4-h.org/curriculum/filmmaking/
National 4-H Photography: http://4-h.org/parents/curriculum/
Focus on Photography, Level 1 (4H 640A)
Controlling the Image, Level 2 (4H 640B)
Mastering Photography, Level 3 (4H 640C)
Other Resources
Books
4-H Guide to Digital Photography by Daniel Johnson
Kodak Pocket Guide To Digital Photography
Photography for Kids!: A Fun Guide to Digital Photography by Michael Ebert and Sandra Abend
Websites
BetterPhoto.com: http://www.betterphoto.com/home.asp
Focus on Travel Photography: www.fodors.com/focus
Kodak: www.kodak.com
New York Institute of Photography: http://www.nyip.com/
Snap Factory: https://www.youtube.com/ playlist?list=PLBC5A73FEA8B7D7D2
Click it up a notch: Photgraphy for Kids: http://clickitupanotch.com/2012/07/ photography-for-kids/
HOW CAN PARENTS SUPPORT CLOVERBUD PROJECTS?
Parents play an important role in helping their children find out what they like and don’t like. As a parent, you can be supportive and encourage your child to try new things. Be there to help them figure out the answer when they have questions. Don’t just answer the question for them, but help them know where to go to find the answer. The important part of a cloverbud project is not the outcome, but the experience children have while participating. It’s OK if your child ends up not liking their current project, but they should finish it and try something else. Remember, cloverbuds are at an age where they can explore lots of different topics to try and find the ones they really want to focus on in the future.
FOCUS ON PHOTOGRAPHY
Science
- Explore how lenses work and how to use them in photography.
- Understand light and its use in photography.
- Learn about past, current and future technology.
- Learn about the role of computers as we switch from film photography to digital photography.
Life Skills
- Keep records on your project.
- Explore careers in photography.
- Plan and organize a photo shoot.
Communication
- Make a poster presentation on the different types of cameras.
- Talk with a professional photographer.
- Use a photo slideshow to help tell a story (photojournalism).
Citizenship & Leadership
- Take photos for a community event.
- Help archive historical photos.
- Arrange for a guest photographer to present to your club.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
- Check out books at the library or search the internet (with your parent’s permission) to learn more about technique and composition.
- Become the historian of your club and take pictures of meetings, service learning projects and club events.
- Visit a community photography exhibit.
- Visit a dark room and learn about the photo process.
- Try editing digital prints on a computer.
- Contact your local Michigan State University (MSU) Extension office for workshops, activities and events.
QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:
- What was your favorite part of this activity/project?
- What do you know now that you did not know before?
- What do you want to explore more/next?
